If we travel back in time to the early years before 1958, television was much different than it is today. There was no such thing as a broadcast that came to you live and in color. Everything that could be seen was in black and white, with a reception that was never on the great side.
It was when technology was on the horizon but had not quite reached the level that we expect today. WRC-TV worked hard to bring color into our homes through the TV. Programs that would be live and in color would show the vision that you would see if you were standing there.
President Eisenhower knew how vital this type of innovation could be and how much happiness it could bring to the American people. Throughout the efforts of the broadcasting systems to change from black and white shows and interviews to color, the President stood behind and encouraged them to find a way.
And find a way they did. In 1958 WRC-TV found a way and did it in a big way. What better way to introduce color to the nation than to have it talked about by Eisenhower, live and in person. Robert Sarnoff, Chief Executive of RCA, explains the concept of the process and flips a switch to support his facts.
He flips a switch that takes the current black and white interview and turns it into full color as the audience at home watches in awe. After years of hard work, sweat, and a few tears, the barrier is broken between the two types of TV. The age of color had arrived, taking over the broadcasting system by storm.
It was a marvel of the day in 1958, but we all take it for granted today. A black-and-white show is not something that many of us can sit through. No longer are we required to watch a grainy speech or program without color. We can always travel back to the moment that changed the world, just to see for ourselves.
